Overview
The Babai float trip returns to the far-western jungles of Bardia that Tiger Tops has known since the 1960s — an area that remains truly wild. After settling into Karnali Lodge on the edge of Bardia National Park, you join a multi-day float through the Babai Valley, one of the Indian subcontinent's last big-game strongholds. Spot wildlife from the river, fish catch-and-release for the famed Golden Mahseer, and camp on pristine sandy beaches under the stars. Cameras replace guns; the approach is leave no trace.
Trip Highlights
- Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and transfer to Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge
- Welcome briefing, organic-farm meals and pool time at the lodge
- Full-day open-topped Land Rover safari with expert naturalists
- Drive to Chepang and scenic Babai River float into the valley
- Riverside camping at Shat Khola, Guthi and Metka
- Catch-and-release mahseer fishing and wildlife along the banks
- Final float to Babai Bridge and road transfer to Nepalgunj
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Nepalgunj and transfer to Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge
Nepalgunj
AccommodationTiger Tops Karnali Lodge
Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (about 50 minutes), met by a Tiger Tops representative and driven approximately two hours to Karnali Lodge on the edge of Bardia National Park. The lodge offers seclusion, comfort and immersion in nature, with twelve air-conditioned Signature Rooms and six Traditional Rooms built from local materials. Welcome briefing, tailored activity plan and hot Nepali lunch on arrival. Sundowners and relaxed dinner; the bar stays open until late.
Day 2: Full day guided jungle safari
AccommodationTiger Tops Karnali Lodge
After an early breakfast, a full-day guided jungle safari in classic open-topped Land Rovers with an expert naturalist. Explore Bardia's rich ecosystems — Bengal tiger, leopard, rhinoceros and diverse birdlife. Lunch at your pace with Nepali or continental choice. Evening at leisure, then dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 3: Drive to Chepang and start the Babai float
Nepalgunj - Chepang
AccommodationCamping at Shat Khola
After breakfast, drive about 2½ hours to Chepang for the start of the Babai float. Following lunch and a safety briefing, begin a scenic three-hour raft down the Babai River deep within the Babai Valley. Arrive at camp at Shat Khola where the team sets up riverside camp. Dinner by the campfire and overnight camping.
Day 4: Full day floating through pristine jungle
AccommodationCamping at Guthi
Spend the whole day floating through pristine jungle with remarkable birdlife and signs of wildlife along the riverbanks. Watch for river otters, marsh muggers and gharial crocodiles. Catch-and-release mahseer fishing is possible en route, with spectacular swimming spots. Overnight camping on a sandy riverbank beside the river.
Day 5: Leisurely rafting to Metka camp
Chepang - Metka camp
AccommodationCamping at Metka
Another full day of leisurely rafting through the Babai Valley, stopping for a riverside lunch before floating a further two hours to the final camp at Metka. The afternoon is free for fishing or jungle exploration. Overnight camping accompanied by the sounds of the jungle.
Day 6: Final float and departure from Nepalgunj
After breakfast, enjoy the final float to the Babai Bridge take-out point. Bid farewell to the rafting team before transferring by road (about 1½ hours) to Nepalgunj Airport for onward travel.
